Charm is a funny thing. Most of us secretly wish we had more of the ‘wow factor’, that magic ingredient that makes small-talk sparkle and fizz like the best Prosecco, dazzling potential BFFs, colleagues, bosses and soulmates with our captivating wit.

Most of us link our careers closely with the modern definition of success – the aim is to achieve as much as possible professionally and financially. It was hardwired in me: my academic upbringing, societal expectations and our materialistic culture

Out of four main attachment styles, around 50 per cent of people have a secure style, which comes with an innate confidence in getting their emotional needs met by their close relationships. But if you are one of the 20 per cent with an anxious attac

The summer holidays may be nearing, which is exciting, but what about when they come to an end? It can be depressingly easy to look ahead to the following months and see nothing but work. But there is a way to hang onto some of that holiday spirit –

Can you really cast aside judgement? Of judging others; of judging yourself? This is the subject we explore in this section. Ali Roff Farrar works through Gabrielle Bernstein’s life-changing Judgement Detox and looks at who and why she judges, then m

Previously, I did not think that I had an ego problem. That was when I associated big egos purely with loud, brash, shamelessly self-promoting bores, who droned on about their achievements, completely oblivious to my eyes glazing over with disinteres

The other day, I found myself in an uncomfortable situation. I wanted to address someone’s behaviour, but found it challenging. The person is the leader of a group I belong to and uses his position to make catty comments under the guise of ‘banter’.

The events of this year have thrown a spotlight on isolation. Short-term feelings of loneliness are part of life, but there are times when they can be debilitating. Unaddressed, they can affect our wellbeing and even our health. In this month’s podca

After a flying visit home to see my parents recently, something remarkable happened. As usual, my father drove me to the train station. As usual, we trundled quietly along winding mountain roads, through familiar grassy vistas bordered by glimmering

1 Past regrets about speaking out revolve around: ♥ Getting too emotional ◆ Embarrassment or feeling exposed ● The impact on relationships ■ Feeling you can’t defend your position 2 Generally, your biggest barrier to self-belief is: ■ Taking yourself

AFTER YEARS OF DREAMING about country life, I’ve taken the leap, moving from a big city to a small village. It’s so exciting, but it took me a long time to make the decision. Stepping into the unknown isn’t always easy for introverts. Perhaps you’re

Q What is narcissism? Narcissism is classified as a sense of self-love. It comes from Ovid’s Metamorpheses, the Greek myth of Narcissus, which first identified a person being incapable of experiencing love external to themselves because there is such

Sitting beside a pool in Spain, I watch my husband and children swimming, playing and generally having a rip-roaring time in the water. There are squeals of delight, hysterical laughter and lots of splashing. It’s a blissful moment to be treasured. E

Have you ever felt baffled at your ability to sabotage a relationship just as it gets off the ground? Or to consistently choose partners who aren’t ready to commit? Chances are your attachment style is in operation. Scientists have identified four ma

The world seems to be set up for confident people, but what if the thought of putting yourself in the spotlight has your stomach turning somersaults? I know speaking up is good for me, but I’d nearly always rather be at home in my PJs. I’m the wallfl

Staring intently at my screen, I try desperately to appear as if I am concentrating. The truth is I have forgotten (again) how to find the document I need to start my first task. Hardly the technical whizz I portrayed in my interview… As my cheeks re

There’s something I don’t really want to admit to myself, let alone to the readers of a national magazine: sometimes, I judge people. There, I said it! But we all do this, don’t we? It’s a natural part of being a human being, and nothing to be ashame

What is charm? A magical aura that surrounds a chosen few? A fake smile and a good storyteller; something to be forged and learned? Or could it be that charm is a unique element within all of us, a resource at our fingertips, just waiting to be unloc

Eighteen months ago, I adopted a retired racing greyhound. This followed a period of mourning for my beloved dog, Charlie. Through Charlie, I had developed an affinity for greyhounds – a refined and heraldic breed, often referred to as ‘40 mph couch

‘FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT, so it’s important to build a LinkedIn profile that packs a punch,’ says social media specialist Claire Durrant. ‘Your LinkedIn profile is your professional online presence and will be viewed by employers, business partners,

Have you ever mulled over a conversation, wishing you’d said something that was important to you, or dared to disagree? Whether at home, work or socially, we’d all like to communicate authentically and effectively. And, in a world where having an onl

1 If a friend lets you down, you can’t help thinking they’re: ♥ Selfish • Messing you around • Flaky ■ Not such a good friend after all 2 Your tolerance levels plummet when you’re: ■ Nervous or unsettled ♥ Feeling attacked ♦ Under stress • Out of you

My son and I were out walking on New Year’s Eve when a couple crossed the road in front of us, hand in hand. It was my ex-husband of 25 years with the woman he had left me for five years ago. It was the first time I had seen them together. Thirty yea